Data-driven color coordinator

ABSTRACT

A color selection and coordination system including a database of predetermined color relationships implementing a data-driven color model. A starting color is associated with a first color in the color database. One or more predefined color palettes associated with the first color may be retrieved, each palette including one or more coordinating colors, the coordinating colors being predetermined based on the first color and a color coordination algorithm.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/573,303, entitled “Data-Driven Color Coordinator,” filed on Oct. 5,2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,063,912, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/789,276, entitled “Data-Driven ColorCoordinator,” filed on Apr. 23, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,605,824, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/703,351,entitled “Data-Driven Color Coordinator,” filed on Nov. 6, 2003 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,230,629, the contents of each of the above-listedapplications being hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention pertain to facilitating theselection of harmonious colors. More particularly, at least oneembodiment of the invention relates to a distributed system and methodfor aiding consumers in the selection of complementary paint colors.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Consumers typically begin a new painting project because of a desire forchange. This typically stems from wanting a new look, being tired of theold look, boredom, seeing an interior elsewhere (e.g., model home tour,friend's house, magazine photo, etc.) to replicate, and/or wanting tomatch a new piece of furniture, fabric, window treatment, etc. In otherinstances, a new event or occurrence (e.g., new baby, children growingup or moving out, relatives visiting, water damage from roofleak/flooding, etc.) may motivate a consumer to paint a room or rooms.

The home painting process typically starts with color selection and thisis typically the more emotional part of the process. Many consumers areconcerned of making a mistake in the color selection process and thenhaving to live with it or do it over.

A paint project involves the selection of one or more colors, which aconsumer typically wishes complement each other, the floor, and/orfurniture pieces. A consumer may start a paint project with a color inmind, or try to match furniture or other decorative item, or simply belooking for a new color. Regardless of how they start, most consumerswant to achieve a decorated look when finished. They typically look tobrands, retailers, printed material and even computer programs to helpthem.

However, because most paint marketing programs often fail to encouragedaring or personal color selection, the vast majority of consumers arereluctant to try new colors. Instead, they stick to the standard “whitesand neutrals,” which, while minimizing the danger of making a mistake,also limits their emotional attachment to the process and the brand.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention provides a color selection andcoordination system including a database of predetermined colorrelationships implementing a data-driven color model. A starting coloris associated with a first color in the color database. One or morepredefined color palettes associated with the first color are retrieved,each palette including one or more coordinating colors, the coordinatingcolors being predetermined based on the first color and a colorcoordination algorithm. The predetermined relationship between one ormore colors in the color database enables quick retrieval of colors aswell as fast modification of color characteristics such as lightness,darkness, hue, chroma, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front-side perspective view of the colorcoordination kiosk cabinet according to one embodiment of an aspect ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back-side perspective view of the colorcoordination kiosk and how a first horizontal surface and computer maybe mounted in the kiosk cabinet according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates how a second horizontal supporting surface may bemounted within the color coordination kiosk cabinet according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back-side perspective view of the colorcoordination kiosk where other features of the kiosk are shown accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side perspective view of the colorcoordination kiosk showing how a printer may be integrated as part ofthe kiosk according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates how the printer may be secured to the colorcoordination kiosk to prevent theft according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a paint color selection andcoordination system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a log-in and/or registration systemaccording to one implementation of the paint selection and coordinationinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates various components and navigation paths that a usermay select once the user has logged in or otherwise been allowed toenter the paint selection and coordination system.

FIG. 10 illustrates the path or trajectory that may be followed in theselection or editing of colors according to one embodiment of the colorselection system.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the invention with various optionsthat may be available to a user when electing to work in an activeproject.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the processing of variousoptions in FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a planning feature of the paint selectionsystem according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14-17 are flow diagrams illustrating various user tutorial optionsthat, may be provided by the paint selection and coordination systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a products option according to oneimplementation of the paint selection and coordination system.

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of a distributed system in whichmultiple in-store kiosks and remote computers may access the same paintcolor selection and coordination system according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates one method of using the distributed paint colorselection and coordination system according to one implementation of theinvention.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a system that may be implementedover the Internet to permit a user to access the paint color selectionand coordination system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 22A-F are a block diagram for a color coordination and selectionapplication that may be implemented in an in-store kiosk according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23A-E are a block diagram illustrating the details of the printingprocess of block 2288, in FIG. 22, according to one implementation ofthe invention.

FIG. 24A-L are a block diagram illustrating a network-based colorcoordination and selection application according to one implementationof the invention.

FIGS. 25A-D are a block diagram illustrating the details of selectingand fine-tuning a paint color over a network-based coordinationapplication according to one implementation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, oneskilled in the art would recognize that the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so asnot to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. Forinstance, “kiosk” includes any type of device, computer, processingunit, etc. The term “color coordination” refers to any system, method,data structure or model, software, and/or device that provides a set ofcolors that is in harmony with, complement, and/or is aestheticallypleasing when combined with, a starting color. The terms “startingcolor” and “core color” are interchangeably used to refer to any colorthat may be selected or provided by a user to coordinate around. Theterm “hue” refers to the angle of the color when mapped into colorspace; hue ranges from 0-360 degrees. The term “triad” refers to a colorapproximately 120 degree from the core color (hue). The terms“complement” or “complementary”, such as complementary colors, refers toa color approximately 180 degree from the core color, such thatcomplement plus core equals white. The term “analogous” color refers toa color with a slightly different hue angle but belonging to the samegeneral color area in color space. The term “shade” is a relative termmeaning darker color but otherwise similar hue and relative chroma. Theterm “tint” is a relative term meaning lighter color but otherwisesimilar hue and relative chroma. The term “color family” refers tocolors within a hue range of about 4 to 8 degrees. The term “accent”, inpainting, refers to a color used to add an interesting splash to a roombut is not used consistently across the room. An accent color may beused across the room through other decorative items such as fabrics,etc. In exteriors, doors are often treated as accents. The term “trim”,in painting, includes baseboards, windows, crown molding, and fasciaboards. A trim color often contrasts with a core color in lightnessvalue and/or hue. The term “depth” is another term for “lightness”. Theterm “warm”, such as a warm color or triad, refers to colors that can beassociated with fire, such as reds, oranges, and yellows. The term“cool”, such as a cool color or triad, refers to colors that can beassociated with water, such as blues and greens. Generally, colors thatare more green than yellow are cool (and vice versa) and colors that aremore red than blue are warm (and vice versa).

While various embodiments aspects of the invention refer to a paintselection and coordination system, the present invention is to beinterpreted broadly to cover any color selection and/or coordinationsystem, application, and/or device.

Various aspects of the invention provide a novel system for aidingbuyers in the selection and coordination of paint colors for varioustypes of paint projects. One aspect of the present invention provides aninteractive paint selection system and expert coordinator that providesconsumers with a new and unique way of shopping and selecting paint andstain products. The interactive paint selection system and expertcoordinator is aimed at encouraging and enabling consumers to unleashtheir creative powers confidently with products and services thatinspire and engage them in home improvement projects.

Another aspect of the invention provides a distributed paint selectionand coordination system that permits users to remotely access anautomatic and interactive paint coordinator/advisor, setup a project,and select desired colors. A user may access the previously savedproject from an in-store kiosk with a very similar graphical userinterface. The distributed system permits updating software and data tothe in-store kiosks as well as the remote user application.

An interactive system presents a unique opportunity to establish a“one-on-one” relationship with customers. However, there are somedifficulties particular to the paint industry that make developing aninteractive marketing effort challenging. Foremost is paint's highdependence on color. Consumers are sophisticated enough to know thatthey can't trust the color on a display screen, which begs the questionas to why use a “screen” to pick colors. Color discrepancies should beminimized and the ultimate color choice should be made with traditionalmeans.

Most consumers are uncomfortable choosing colors. They are consciousthat any colors they choose are a reflection of themselves. They areafraid to make mistakes that broadcast to their friends and neighborsthat they have poor taste. Beyond this fear, consumers yearn to expressthemselves creatively and confidently. Having a tool that calms theirfears, inspires creative expression, and verifies color choices isviewed as an extremely powerful potential feature of the program.

One aspect of the invention provides a paint selection kiosk designed tohouse an apparatus configured to aid a consumer to select complementarycolors. Another aspect of the invention provides a navigation systemthat permits a user to select a paint color, be provided with aplurality of complementary color combinations, and preview the differentcomplementary color combinations on a sample room or house.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side perspective view of the paint selectionkiosk cabinet 100 according to one embodiment of an aspect of theinvention. The paint selection and coordination kiosk 100 includes acabinet frame 102, which may be made from a metal, wood, and/or othermaterials, onto which a front panel 104, side panels 106 and 108, a backpanel 110 and a pop cover 112 are attached with fasteners. According toone embodiment of the invention, slanted portions 105 may be coupledalong the vertical edges of the front panel 104. The front panel 104 mayalso include a first opening 116 to permit viewing of a display screenthat may be mounted within the cabinet 100. Furthermore, the front panel104 may include a second opening to hold a color-sensing device 118. Inone embodiment of the invention, the front panel 104 also includes oneor more openings 119 behind which one or more speakers may be mounted.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the front of the paintselection and coordination kiosk 100 may also include a horizontal orsemi-horizontal surface 120 with an opening 122 from which printer papermay be collected. Below the horizontal surface 120, a pair of verticallyswinging doors 124 enclose a compartment area. The doors may be hungfrom the cabinet frame 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back-side perspective view of the paint selectionand coordination kiosk 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.The kiosk frame 102 may define a plurality of spaces and include aplurality of rails 202, 204, 206. One or more of these rails 202, 204,and 206 may serve to support one or more horizontal surfaces. Forexample, a first horizontal surface 208 may be supported by and/orcoupled to a lower rail 202. The kiosk cabinet frame 102 may also haveside panels 210 fastened to a lower portion of the cabinet frame 102.Supporting members 212 may be coupled to the lower side panel 210 by oneor more brackets or perpendicularly supporting members 214. Thesupporting members 212 may serve to support the cabinet 100 on aplurality of legs or wheels 216. The supporting legs or wheels 216 mayinclude a leveling or height adjusting mechanism such as a nut andthread bolt.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a processing unit (e.g.,computer) 220 may be mounted within the kiosk on top of the horizontalsurface 208. The processing unit 220 may be secured to the horizontalsurface 208 or cabinet frame 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates how a second horizontal supporting surface 302 may besupported by or coupled to horizontal rails 204 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Horizontal surface 302 may serve to supportone or more devices. For example, in one implementation, a power supply304, speakers 306, and a color sensing device or spectrophotometer 308may be mounted to and/or attached to the horizontal surface 302. Variousdifferent brackets or fasteners may be used to secure the speakers 306,color sensing device 308 and power supply device 304 without deviatingfrom the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back-side perspective view of the kiosk 100 whereother features of the kiosk are shown according to one embodiment of theinvention. A third horizontal surface 402 may be mounted on and/orsecured to the horizontal rails 206 of the cabinet frame 102. A displaydevice (e.g. monitor and/or screen) 404 may be mounted on the thirdhorizontal surface 402 such that the display surface of the device 404is visible through an opening 116 in the front panel 104 of the kiosk100.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a keyboard holder and/ormouse holder 406 may be mounted on the side panel 210 on the lowerportion of the cabinet frame 202. A keyboard or mouse stored in theholder 406 may be accessed through an opening 408 in the front of thepaint selection kiosk. According to one embodiment of the invention, theopening 408 may be accessed by opening one of the lower doors 124 of thekiosk 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the kiosk 100 showing howa printer 502 may be integrated as part of the kiosk 100. The printer502 may be mounted on a rolling platform or cart 504 so that it may beeasily moved in and out of the kiosk compartment 500. The printerplatform 504 may also include a trim 506 along the lower front part ofthe printer platform or dolly 504 such that it matches the trim 508along the lower edge of the kiosk cabinet 100. The printer 506 may becommunicatively coupled to the computer or processing unit 220 in such away that permits removal of the printer 502. In one implementation ofthe invention, the printer 502 may be coupled to the power supply 304and/or computer 220 by cables long enough to permit removing the printer502 and cart 504 from the compartment 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates how the printer 502 may be secured to the kiosk 100to prevent theft according to one embodiment of the invention. Forexample, a pull box 602 may be attached to the frame 102 or side panel210 of the kiosk 100. A cable 604 may be coupled to the pull box 602 atone end and a securing apparatus 606 at an opposite end. The securingapparatus 606 serves to secure the printer 502 to the kiosk cabinet.According to one embodiment of the invention, the securing apparatus 606may include a color calibration chip to calibrate the color spectra.

The kiosk illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 may be configured to aid a person inselecting a starting color (e.g., starting or desired paint color) aswell as provide complementary, harmonious, and/or aesthetically pleasingcorresponding. In one implementation, such kiosk may serve as a paintcolor selector and coordinator for paint projects such as a paintinginterior areas (e.g., rooms, etc.) or the house exteriors.

In one implementation of the invention, a user is able to navigatethrough various graphical user interfaces, screens, and/or modules whichadvise and suggest to the user which colors are most likely to providean appealing scheme or combination. The color sensor orspectrophotometer 308 permits a user to use a swatch or sample of theirdesired color and enter it into the color selection and coordinationsystem. The color sensor 308 may be one of a number of color sensingdevices that is attached to the color selection and coordination systemand provides the system with information about the desired color sample.The speaker(s) 306 may provide the user with audio cues or informationsuch as, for instance, audio/video clips about painting and otherdecorating ideas, and product training and information.

The printer 502 may provide the user with printouts of selected colorsand/or color schemes or combinations. In various embodiments of theinvention, an input device, such as a touch screen, a pointing deviceand/or a voice-activated input system, may be used to permit a user tonavigate the color selection and coordination process and provide inputsto the system.

Generally, a color selection and coordination system may provide theuser with the options of color matching and coordination. Consumers mayprovide a starting color in several ways. For instance, using aspectrophotometer, a customer can “scan” the color of an item from theirhouse such as tile, fabric, window treatment, pillow, etc. Based on thestarting color, a system implementing one embodiment of the inventionmay select a close match from a color library, or may custom-formulate acolor to match the item scanned. In addition, the color coordinationsystem may recommend other colors, or combination of colors, thatcoordinate, are harmonious or aesthetically pleasing, or complementaryto the starting color. The customer is provided a “palette” that can beadjusted according to how they want the original starting color to beused (e.g., accent color versus main color versus trim color).Potentially, palettes may be adjusted according to the user's region,size of room, room function, and style preferences.

Another way to use the system is to simply pick a color, from a colortable for instance, and find out what other colors go with it. The usermay specify a starting color visually or by entering a color code andthe expert color coordinator then recommends color combinations.Lightness and gray levels of individual combination colors can beadjusted.

The system may also provide a visualization tool that allows consumersto see how their colors look in a simulated environment. The system mayfunction in a way that allows users to upload their own photos and theadjust them based on the user's color selections. In anotherimplementation of the invention, a user may select a similar room orexterior from a collection of preformatted rooms or exterior. The wall,trim, accents, etc., of the selected room or exterior is then coloredwith a selected color combination from among the recommended colorcombinations.

FIGS. 7-18 illustrate a paint selection and expert coordination systemthat may be implemented in one embodiment of the kiosk illustrated inFIGS. 1-6. While the system illustrated in FIGS. 7-18 describes a paintselection and expert coordination system, it should be clear that thisis merely an exemplary application and that various aspects of theinvention are applicable to color selection and advising in general.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a paint selection and expertcoordination system according to one embodiment of the invention. Thepaint selection and coordination system 700 may be implemented withinone embodiment of a paint selection and coordination kiosk (e.g., kiosk100). According to one embodiment of the invention, a log-in component702 may requests a user to enter either an existing user identificationnumber and/or register to use the paint selection and expertcoordination system. In another embodiment of the invention, the systemmay permit a user access to some or all features of the paint selectionand coordination system without first registering, using a password, orsetting up an account.

Once in the system, a user may select from a number of differentoptions. For example, the paint coordinator option or component 704permits a user to browse inspirational paint ideas 706 from which toselect a color or color scheme, start a new paint project 708 or recallan active paint project 710. A planning option 712 permits a user toestimate or calculate the quantity of paint that may be necessary forthe particular project (e.g., room to be painted) 714 or select fromdifferent paint sheens depending on whether an interior or exteriorpaint project is involved 716. A tutorial option 718 permits a user toselect from various instructional or tutorial information aboutpainting. For example, a user may select from interior overviewinformation 720, exterior overview information 722, common paintproblems 724 and/or a glossary of terms common to painting 726. A usermay also select from a products option 728 which may list various paintsand/or paint products from one or more companies.

FIG. 8 illustrates a log-in and/or registration system according to oneimplementation of the invention. A user may start by selecting betweenan existing user option and a new user option 802. If the existing useroption is selected, the user may log-in to the system by enteringinformation such as a user name, e-mail address, unique identifier,and/or password 804. This information is then verified by the system 806and, if accurate, permits the user to proceed by displaying variousselection options. Alternatively, is the user selects the new useroption, a registration option 808 permits a user to register with thesystem. In one embodiment of the invention, the advantages ofregistering may be displayed to a user who wishes to register. Once suchregistration is confirmed 810, a user is permitted to access the variousfeatures of the paint selection and expert coordination system. Notethat in other embodiments of the invention, a user may be permitted toaccess all or some of the various features of the paint selection andexpert coordination system without registering or logging-in.

FIG. 9 illustrates various components and navigation paths that a usermay select once the user has logged in or otherwise been allowed toenter the system.

For instance, a user may select from a number of feature articles 902which provide ideas and inspiration for painting projects, color schemesand reference information 706. The purpose of the inspirational sectionis two fold. First, it should give users ideas for how to complete aproject that they already have in mind, and second, it should encourageusers to take on new projects that they haven't yet considered. It mayserve to get users charged up emotionally, showing them how they canimprove their lifestyle by adding color and self-expression. Theinspirational ideas and/or articles may recommend products acrossproduct lines and provide decorating/painting information, for instance,showing how to accent with faux finishes. Today, consumers look forinspiration from magazines, touring model homes, visiting friends'houses, television shows, etc. This same experience may be extended bythe inspirational ideas of the paint selection and coordination system.Inspirational content may be organized by themes such as region, styles,moods, function, and color families. In addition, seasonal content mayoffer an opportunity to refresh the inspirational ideas constantly.

A user may also elect to explore colors 904 by starting a new project708 or continuing to active or existing project 710.

According to one implementation of the invention, a user has severaloptions when starting a new project 708 and can select a starting colorin a number of different ways. For instance, the user may look-up acolor by name 906, provide a starting color sample 908, or browse orsearch through an inspirational color library and/or palette for adesired color 910. If the user elects to provide a starting color 908,he or she may provide such start color by providing a color sample to acolor sensor 108. If the user elects to continue a previously savedproject 710, the system may first determine if the user is logged in,and if not, request that the user log in 912. The user may also select astarting color from a color library or palette. In an embodiment of theinvention, the user may also fine-tune the starting color to obtain adesired color.

FIG. 10 illustrates the path or trajectory that may be followed whenstarting a new project and selecting a starting color according to oneembodiment of the color selection and coordination system.

If the user elects to start a new project 708, he or she is given theoption to select a color from various sources 906, 908, 910. The desiredcolor may be looked up by name in a database 1002, and, if the color isfound, it is returned to the user for fine-tuning 1006. Fine-tuning maypermit a user to make a color lighter or darker and/or more or lessmuted. Such fine-tuning may be performed by allowing a user toincrementally increase or decrease one or more of its characteristics(e.g., hue, chroma, etc.). In one implementation of the invention, thecolors available in the system have associated predeterminedrelationships with other colors. Thus, if a user wishes to lighten afirst color, for instance, the user may select a “lighter” button,arrow, or symbol, to incrementally go to the next lightest colorassociated with the first color, thus obtaining a second color.Similarly, if the user wishes to darken a first color, the user mayselect a “darker” button, arrow, or symbol to go the next darkest colorassociated with the first color, thus obtaining a second color.Similarly, the hue or chroma of a first color may be incrementallymodified by retrieving the associated hue and/or chroma colors toprovide a desired second color. The second color may also be similarlymodified to achieve a desired final color.

A user may also provide a sample 908 of the desired color 1004 and thenmay be permitted to fine-tune that color 1006 as described above. Thatis, the fine-tuning process 1006 may involve changing the color's hue,chroma, etc., by incrementally increasing or decreasing these qualities.

In either one of these instances, a user is given the option to then usean expert color coordinator 1007 be given suggestions as tocomplementary, harmonious, or aesthetically pleasing colors that may becombined with the starting color.

In one embodiment of the invention, the expert color coordinator 1007may include a custom coordination component 1008 which, based on thestarting color, automatically selects a plurality of color combinationsthat are complementary, harmonious to, and/or are aesthetically pleasingin combination with the starting color.

These color combinations may be determined in different ways accordingto various embodiments of the invention. The color combinations providedto the user may be selected based on a number of color theoryimplementations. In one implementation, the color combinations arepre-determined and stored in a database such that, once a desiredstarting color is selected, its characteristics or metrics (e.g., hue,chroma, tint, shade, etc.) are determined and matched to a color in thedatabase with the closest corresponding metrics. The system then usesthe matching color from the database to determine the complementarycolor combinations.

In another embodiment of the invention, metrics for the desired colorare determined and then used to calculate, determine, or retrievecomplementary colors that are either dynamically determined or retrievedfrom a pre-compiled database.

One or more of the color combinations may also be based on thecorresponding warm triad and cool triad for the starting color.

In one implementation of the invention, the combination of colors may beretrieved from a database of colors. The database of colors being a datastructure in which corresponding complementary colors have beenidentified for every color in the database or a color palette. Variouscolor theories, including a complementary color model, tertiary colormodel, analogous color model (e.g., monochromatic color model), may beemployed to generate the various relationships between colors stored inthe database. In another embodiment of the invention, the correspondingcomplementary colors are dynamically determined upon selection of afirst or desired color.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the color coordinatormay interpolate between two or more colors in a database to generatebetter matching complementary colors for a given starting color. Thisinterpolation may be based on the color theory employed and/or theinherent metrics or characteristics associated with the starting color.

Additionally, the color coordinator may also be configured to take intoaccount human factors. That is, the relationship between colors may bemodified based on human expertise. For example, the complementary colorrelationships generated using color theory may be modified so as toachieve a more aesthetically pleasing combination of colors. Thus, thecolor database of complementary color relationships may be based on bothcolor theory and expert input.

Once the expert color coordinator 1007 has returned one or more colorcombinations 1010 based on the desired or starting color, the user mayselect a desired color combination, an interior or exterior template1014 (e.g., interior room or exterior home facade) and preview it 1016.

The preview feature 1014 and 1016 permits a user to see what aparticular color combination would look like when painted on an interiorroom, exterior facade, etc. In one implementation of the invention,sample interior rooms and or exterior facades are provided for theuser's selection. The available preview rooms and facades are taggedsuch that the walls, trim, doors, floor, ceiling, etc., are identifiedas separate elements. This way, a user may indicate which colors in theselected color combination will be used to paint the walls, trim, doors,floor, ceiling, etc. The system paints the different surfaces with oneor more selected colors from the color combination. The user may thenpreview the selected template (e.g., interior room or exterior facade)with the selected colors in the selected surfaces. In yet anotherembodiment of the invention, the user may upload a picture of thedesired project (e.g., living room, dinning room, house exterior, etc.)and select the color desired for each surface (e.g., door, trim, walls,floors, etc.).

The user may modify a color combination by using a color palette 1018.In various embodiments of the invention, such characteristics as thetint, shade (e.g., lightness and/or darkness), hue, and/or chroma may bemodified. Once the user is satisfied with a selected color combination,that combination may be saved 1020.

When a user elects to start a new project using the inspiration library910, various categories may be available from which to choose a color1022. Each category may enable a user to choose from various types ofimages, themes and/or types of rooms that may be desired 1024. For oneor more of these selections, the user may also be able to select a moodor theme palette 1028. Once the system retrieves an image satisfying thedesired characteristics, the user may then modify the colors based oncolor palette 1012. Once a desired color combination has been obtained,the user may preview what such color combination would looks like in aparticular room or exterior of a home 1014 & 1016 and save it 1020.

At any time during the browsing, the combination of colors provided bythe expert coordination system or the previewing of the selected image,if the user wishes to further modify the color, this may be done bymodifying the color palette 1020.

Similarly, if a user elects to continue working on an existing projector active project 710, the previously selected or saved color(s) may berevised by modifying the color palette or the color may be previewed byentering the preview module.

If the user elects to continue working on an active project 710, adifferent set of options may be available. For example, FIG. 11illustrates one embodiment of the invention with various options thatmay be available to a user when electing to work in an active project710.

A user may be able to revise or edit a color 1102 to preview a selectedcolor 1104 to revise a quantity of paint that may be necessary for aproject 1106, to revise the sheen of the paint 1108, to print samples ofthe color 1110 or to edit the account information associated with theuser 1112 and 1114.

Selection of the revise color option 1102 permits modifying the colorpalette 1018. Selection of the preview color option 1104 opens thepreview module 1016 and permits a user to see the selected color andmodify it using the modify color palette 1018, if desired.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the processing of variousoptions in FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the invention.

Selection of the revise paint quantity option 1106 permits the user tocalculate or estimate the amount of paint necessary for a particulartask 1216 (FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, a user may select between aninterior 1218 and exterior 1220 paint job. According to one embodimentof the invention, these two options 1218 & 1220 may provide the userwith sample shapes of rooms or exteriors of various sizes from which tochoose. According to one embodiment of the invention, the paintestimator 1222 may provide the user the amount of paint necessary for apaint job rounded up to the nearest standard paint unit in which thepaint is sold (i.e., quarts or gallons). The paint estimator 1222 mayalso calculate or estimate the amount of paint needed for a projectbased on number of coats needed and on whether the particular paintcolor will be used on the trim, wall, ceiling, doors, etc. Once the userhas entered the desired options, the system calculates the approximateamount of paint required for a job 1222 and may print this informationfor the user's convenience. Prior to printing, the system checks thepalette state 1226 to determine if more information needs to be gatheredfrom the user.

Referring again to FIG. 11, if the user elects to revise the paint sheen1108, a sheen selection option 1230 permits the user to select fromeither interior sheens 1232 or exterior sheens 1234 and determine thedesired sheens to use for their type of project. After selecting adesired paint sheen, the user may choose to either print the colorformula to create the particular color and sheen 1236 or so save theresults and return to the previous menu (i.e. 1202 or FIG. 11).

If a user elects to print a paint color 1110, then the paint color ispreviewed 1214 and printed. On occasion, there are discrepancies betweenthe on-screen colors selected and the colors that may be printed by aprinted. In order to provide printed colors that closely match the truecolors selected, the system may include either a hardware or softwarecolor calibration module that configures the printer or commands to theprinter so as to provide printed colors that closely match the realcolors.

A user may also edit account information, such as user name, password,etc., by selecting the edit account option 1112 and modifying theexisting information 1114.

Referring again to FIG. 10, once a user decides to print a color orcolor combination, the selection is previewed 1016, adjusted asnecessary 1018 and saved 1020. After saving and/or storing the colorselection 1020, the user is given the options 1202 of printing thechosen colors 1204 or revising/selecting paint sheen 1230. If the paintsheen option 1230 is selected, the user may chose from either interior1232 or exterior 1234 sheens, and print 1236 and/or save the selection1238. If the print option is selected 1204, the user may confirm thechoice to print 1206, save the project 1208, and print the selectedpaint color and/or color combination 1214. According to one embodimentof the invention, a user may be requested to login or register 1212prior to being allowed to print. When logging in, the user's informationmay be confirmed 1210.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a planning feature 712 (FIG. 9) of thepaint selection system according to one embodiment of the invention. Theplanning feature 712 may permit a user to calculate a quantity of paint714 based on approximate room sizes 1306 or whether it is an interior1308 or exterior 1309 project. A user may then be provided with thecalculation results 1310 for each color of paint of the selectedcombination that may be needed for a project.

Similarly, the user may be able to compare sheen 716 characteristics forpaints for either interior 1312 or exterior 1314 projects. That is, forthe same paint, a user may be shown on the display screen what theinterior paint looks like and what the exterior paint looks like.

FIGS. 14-17 are flow diagrams illustrating various user options that maybe provided under the tutorials option 718 (FIG. 7) by the paintselection and coordination system according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates features related to interior painting projects 720(FIG. 7). For example, a user may be provided with specific paintinginformation for a project 1402, how to organize that project and detailson the rules and equipment that may be necessary for their project 1406.Similarly, the user may be provided with staining information 1408,including selecting type of look that is desired 1410, organizing astaining project 1412 and details and additional useful information 1414that may be necessary for doing a staining project. Users may also beprovided with information on floor coatings 1416 such as paints forinterior floors by selecting a look or scene 1418 and information onorganizing the project 1420 and details on how to perform such project1422. Similarly, the user may be provided with information about fauxfinishes 1424 and details on how to perform such projects 1426.

How-to instructions or tutorials 1414 and 1422 may be organized inseveral ways. For instance, first by project type such as interiorpainting, exterior painting, deck, fence, etc. Next, they may be brokendown into stages including organizing the project, proper preparation,using a primer, applying the topcoat, cleaning-up. How-to instructionsmay include text, audio, and video demonstrations. Supply lists forparticular paint projects may also be provided. All instructions andsupply lists may be printable for the customer's convenience.

FIG. 15 illustrates other tutorials 718 and information pertaining toexterior paint projects 722. As before, the system provides paintinginformation for exterior projects 1502, as well as organization 1504 andother project details 1506. Likewise, the tutorials for exterior paintprojects may also provide information on staining 1508 and floorcoatings 1516 as in FIG. 14. Additionally, the exterior projectstutorials may include information on waterproofing surfaces 1524,organization of such projects 1526 and other details on how to performwaterproofing projects 1528.

Another tutorial option may permit a user to browse or read throughcommon paint problems 724. The user may be given the option of selectingbetween interior paint projects 1602 and exterior paint projects 1606.For each of these categories, detailed information regarding paintproblems 1604 and 1608 may be provided to the user. The user may also beable to perform a search based on a key phrase or word related to aparticular paint problem.

FIG. 17 illustrates another aspect of the invention where one of thetutorial options 718 may include a glossary 726 from which a user mayaccess general information 1702 and/or search for particular terms,colors, phrases, etc. 1704.

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a products option 728 according toone implementation of the paint selection and coordination system. Thisproducts option 728 permits the advertising and/or display of variouspainting and decorating products. A user may search the site 1802 basedon one or more key term(s) or word(s) or phrase(s) for a desired tool orproduct. The system may then provide the results 1804 meeting the searchcriteria. In the alternative, the user may select from a list of typesof products 1806, to browse only those products of interest, or beprovided with a list of product categories 1808. Once a product orcategory is selected, details about said product or product category maybe shown to the user 1810.

In one embodiment of the invention the kiosk may have multiple modes ofoperations. For instance, aside from serving as a color selection andcoordinator, the kiosk may also operate as a training system. Anin-store personnel training feature may provide text, video, and/oraudio training information to personnel. New sales associates may haveaccess to an electronic seminar about particular products. According toone embodiment of the invention, this feature may be enabled byswitching the kiosk over to training mode.

Another aspect of the invention provides a distributed paint colorselection and coordination system that permits users to remotely accessan automatic and interactive paint coordinator/advisor, setup a project,select a desired color, and be provided with complementary, harmoniouscolors in response to the selected desired color. A user may access thepreviously saved project from an in-store kiosk with a very similargraphical user interface. The distributed system permits updatingsoftware and data to the in-store kiosks as well as the remote userapplication.

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of a distributed system in whichmultiple in-store kiosks and remote computers may access the same paintcolor selection and coordinator system. The distributed system mayinclude multiple in-store kiosks 1902, 1904, 1906, and 1908 coupled to acentral server 1910. The central server 1910 may provide the kiosks1902, 1904, 1906, and 1908 with updated software, data, and informationperiodically or as needed. The kiosks 1902, 1904, 1906, and 1908 may becommunicatively coupled to one or more servers 1910 via variouscommunication links, including the Internet, radio waves, andpoint-to-point communication links. The server 1910 may be coupled tothe Internet and provide a paint color selection and coordinatorapplication to remote terminals/computers 1912.

The distributed system enables a paint manufacturer to establish arelationship with the customers, educate the customer about themanufacture's paint products, and extend that relationship from the hometo the store.

A user utilizing a remote terminal/computer 1912 may access the paintcolor selection and coordinator application(s), which may have similarfunctionality, user interfaces, and navigation as the system illustratedin FIGS. 7-18 and described above. Such system permits a user to becomefamiliar with look and use of paint color selection and coordinationapplication, start a paint project, select one or more desired colors,and be advised as to the complementary colors corresponding to theselected colors. One implementation of the distributed paint colorselection and coordination system serves to entice consumers to becomemore comfortable and familiar with the look and use of paint colorsbeyond the standard white and neutral colors.

One implementation of the distributed system permits a user at home orat the store to create a personal project portfolio that includesinformation such as their projects, palettes, how-to info, etc. Thisproject portfolio is accessible either online {e.g., via the Internet)or in the store (e.g., using the kiosk) via some sort of useridentification. Scenarios include someone choosing their colors at homebut going back to the store for chips and adjustments, or beginning aproject profile at the store and adjusting within their own time framewhile at home. According to one embodiment of the invention, a personalprofile created on a store kiosk may be periodically downloaded to acentral server or system so that it may be accessed by the user via anetwork (e.g., the Internet). Conversely, a profile created over theInternet (e.g., via a home computer) may be sent to the local store,which may be selected by the user, so that it is available when the uservisits the store. In another embodiment of the invention, an in-storekiosk may retrieve the user's profile and/or previously entered projectinformation when the user logs-in at the kiosk. The newlyInternet-created projects may be sent only to those kiosks which theuser indicates are within his/her local area or store.

The in-store kiosks may include a storage device to store a plurality ofprojects which were initiated either in the kiosk or on a remotecomputer/terminal. Stored projects may be retrieved from a remoteterminal or from an in-store kiosk for further editing, review, and/orprinting. In one embodiment of the invention, the stored project may bestored in one or more servers 1910 from where it may be retrieved.

FIG. 20 illustrates one method of using the distributed paint colorselection and coordination system according to one implementation of theinvention. A user may use a home computer to access the Internet andstart a paint project 2002, select a starting color 2004, and receiveone or more complementary color combinations 2006. The user mayfamiliarize himself or herself with the system and, once done, store theproject 2008. The user may then continue his experience with the paintcolor selection and coordination system when he/she visits a store topurchase the paint needed for the project. The user may utilize a kiosk,such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, to retrieve the previouslystored project 2010, review complementary color combinations provided bythe system, fine-tune colors, and/or print out a preview of a selectedcolor combination 2012.

From either a home computer or in-store kiosk, a user may print out anestimate of the different paint colors that will be necessary for theproject and/or the color mix or formula for each of the colors in thecolor combination selected.

Another aspect of the distributed system may include heartbeatmonitoring feature. This feature minimizes system downtime by having anin-store kiosk 1902 monitor itself and alert an administrator (e.g., viaa server 1910, telephone message, email, blinking light, audible alarm,etc.) if a kiosk stops responding, runs out of paper or ink, some otheralert is triggered, etc.

A remote update feature permits content to be distributed to variousstore locations from a central location. Stores or kiosks can be groupedaccording to different criteria, such as region, store type, market,etc., and content can be rolled out to various criteria groups. Forexample, a central server may update a kiosk's color palette, software,graphical user interfaces, etc., remotely. Additionally, different formsof content {e.g., advertising) may be displayed on the kiosk's screenbased on the type of store in which it resides.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a system that may be implementedover the Internet to permit a user to access the paint color selectionand coordination system, described above, over the Internet. A web pagemay be used where the user can access the color selection andcoordination system via the Internet. Such web page may include a storelocator option 2102 to permit a user to search and locate a store 2104and provide details of such store 2106. The web page interactive systemmay also include safety information 2108 to educate users about paintproducts, such as the material safety datasheets for one or moreproducts.

The web page may also include a company information option 2114providing such information as press releases 2118, events 2120, careeror employment opportunities 2122 and contact information 2124 for theone or more companies deploying the paint color selection andcoordination system. Such web page may also include a login orregistration window 2126 to access the paint selection and coordinationsystem over the Internet.

FIGS. 22A-E illustrate a block diagram for a color coordination andselection application that may be implemented in an in-store kioskaccording to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 22A, thekiosk may have in an attract loop 2202 in which the kiosk displays astart screen 2204 to entice potential consumers to use the colorcoordination and selection kiosk. If a user elects to use the kiosk, thestart project module 2206 provides the option of logging into anexisting project or workbook 2208. Additionally, the module 22065 mayalso permit the user to view the content in the color coordination andselection kiosk in a different language, such as Spanish 2210 or French2212. The user may start a project by identifying whether the paintproject is an interior or exterior paint project 2214.

The user may then choose a starting color for the project in differentways. One option is for the user to provide the starting paint color2228. In such option, the user may choose a starting color from a colorwheel or table 2232, scan a sample of the desired starting color 2234,or identify the starting color by name, number, or code 2244.

According to one implementation of the invention, a user may be givenseveral options from which to select the starting color 2230. Forexample, the user may create or choose a starting color by browsing acolor palette, color wheel, or any other arrangement of colors 2232 andthen adjust that starting color 2233 to the desired hue, chroma,lightness, shade, etc. The user may also scan the desired starting color2234 based on a sample, such as a fabric or paint chip. The system thenprovides scanning instructions 2236 to enable the user to scan the colorsample into the system. The user is then allowed to scan the colorsample 2238, 2240, 2242. Once the color sample has been scanned, aconfirmation message notifies the user that the scanning is has beencompleted 2239. According to a third way of choosing a starting color, auser may provide a color name, number and/or code by which to identifythe starting color 2244. The starting color is then searched in adatabase of color names, numbers, or codes 2246. If a color is notfound, the user is alerted 2248.

Once the user has selected a desired starting color, the desired use ofthe color is specified 2262, such as interior, exterior, ceiling, walls,floors, etc. Such information permits the system to narrow its colorcoordination search to the appropriate paint colors. The system thenuses its internal color coordination database to provide one or morecolor coordination schemes that include the desired color 2264. Saidcolor coordination schemes may include one or more colors that arecomplementary to the selected starting color. The user is then allowedto select one of the color schemes provide by the system.

The selected color scheme may be then be modified 2268 or fine-tuned todesired final colors. For instance, for anyone of the colors shown inthe selected color scheme, the user may modify the chroma, hue, shade ortint, lightness or darkness off that color. For this purpose, the systemmay include a database through which each color that is modified can bereferenced 2266. This database permits identifying the next lightestand/or darkest color available. Such database may also permit a userfine-tune retrieve other colors similar in hue or chroma for any givencolor.

The user is also permitted to print the selected color scheme 2284,preview the color scheme 2276 as it would appear in a room, or previewthe color scheme as it would appear on an exterior 2270. If the userelects to preview the color scheme in a room 2276, the type or style ofroom is first selected 2278, such as living room, dining room, kitchen,bathroom, bedroom, etc. The user is then asked to associate the colorsin the selected color scheme with one or more of the various surfaces inthe room 2280, such as walls, floors, trim, doors, accents, etc. Theselected sample room is then displayed in a display screen showing thecolors selected by the user on the appropriate surfaces and allowed tofine-tune each color and/or reassign the surface on which it is placed2282. Similarly, if the user elects to visualize a sample exterior, theuser may select an exterior type 2270, and associate the one or morecolors of the selected color scheme with the various surfaces 2272, suchas exterior walls, doors, trim, accents, etc. The user is then shown theexterior with the selected colors on the associated surfaces 2274 andcan fine-tune each color and/or reassign the surface on which it isplaced. Note that a particular color in the color scheme may not be usedat all or may be place on more than one surface of the preview modules.

The user may then proceed to print out the color scheme and/or room orexterior samples 2284. The print module 2284 provides a user multipleoptions before printing the selected color scheme. For instance, a usermay request an estimate or calculation of the amount of paint that isnecessary to paint a room or exterior of the house 2295 and 2296, or theuser may specify or select sheens for the different surfaces to bepainted 2297 and 2298.

According to one implementation of the invention, the system provides ainterior paint calculation option 2295. The user is requested to providethe length and width of a room, the number of doors, windows, as well astrim information. Additionally, if a ceiling is being painted, theceiling type may also be specified. If touchup paint is desired, thatoption is also provided to the user. Using all this information, thesystem then provides an estimate or calculation of the amount of paintthat would be necessary for such job. This result may provide a userwith the amount of each paint color that will be necessary to paint theceiling, walls, trim, accents, etc. In one implementation of theinvention, the user may be given the estimates rounded up to the neareststandard paint container size. Similarly, if the user is intending to doan exterior paint job 2296, the user may be requested to enter thesquare footage of the home, the number of exterior doors, windows andshutters, garage size, and garage door types, and whether touchup paintis desired. The system then calculates the amount of each paint colorthat is necessary for such paint job and provides it to the user.

The user may also specify the sheen for the interior and/or exteriorpaint projects 2297 and 2298. For instance, the user may specify thewall, trim, door, ceiling, shutters, garage, or other paints for eitherinterior or exterior paint projects 2297 and 2298. A summary of theamounts of paint for each color in the selected color scheme is thenprovided to the user.

The user is then given the option to either print or save the selectedand/or fine-tuned color scheme and information 2286. If the user electsto print, a message appears on a screen 2288 while the selected colorscheme is printed. When the system is done printing the information, amessage is displayed which indicates that the printing has beencompleted 2290, and the printed pages are outputted from the colorcoordination kiosk 2292 and 2294.

Referring again to FIG. 22B, the user may also elect to use the interioror exterior inspiration libraries 2250 and 2256, which include one ormore inspiration categories from which to choose color schemes or ideas.The inspiration libraries may also include inspiration palettes, such ascolor wheels or color tables, 2252 and 2258 from which the user may makea selection 2254 and 2260. Having selected a desired color scheme, theuser is taken to the color scheme home 2268 from where the user mayprint out, edit, preview or save color schemes as previously described.

According to one implementation of the invention, the system may includeone or more alerts to enable various features. For instance, the systemmay provide the user a start-over feature and confirmation 2216 toenable the user to go back to the starting window 2206. Another alertmay indicate that the printer is not in service 2218 or that the colorsample scanner needs calibration 2220. Yet other alerts indicate wherethe scanner needs servicing 2222. Additionally, the system may alsoindicate that a question is found out or that a particular sheen coloris a custom color 2226. The system may also keep track of the percentageof times sessions have timed out, the number of times the customers haverequested to start over, and generally how many times each time of alerthas been triggered.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating the details of the printingprocess of block 2288, in FIG. 22, according to one implementation ofthe invention. The user is asked whether the project will be saved priorto printing 2300 and 2301. If not, then the color scheme and informationare printed 2302. However, if the user elects to save the project priorto printing, the system then checks if the user is logged in 2303.

If the user is already logged in, then the process proceeds torequesting a project name 23.56 (FIG. 23C) for the project. Once theuser provides a name for the project 2356, the system then checks if itis connected 2359, to a server or other storage facility for instance.If the system is connected to a server or storage facility, then theproject is saved 2358. Otherwise, if the system is not connected, thenthe system indicates the project will be saved upon the next successfulconnection 2360, and then proceeds to print the color scheme andinformation selected 2362. The system then displays a print completemessage 2290 (FIG. 22D).

Referring again to FIG. 23A, if the user is not logged into the system2303, the user is given an option to either register as a new user orlogin as a previously registered user 2304. If the user elects toregister as a new user 2305, then the user is requested to enter ausername 2308. The system then checks if the username is valid 2311. Forinstance, the system may check if the username is a valid e-mailaddress. If a user name is not valid 2310, the system requests that theuser enter a valid username 2310. Upon providing a valid username, thesystem then requests the user to enter a password 2312. The system maycheck the password to see if it is of an appropriate length 2315. Forinstance, the system may require a password be greater than threecharacters long. If a password does not have the minimum required numberof characters 2314, then the system requests that the user enter anotherpassword 2312. Upon entering an appropriate password of an appropriatelength, the system then requests the user to review the username andpassword 2316. If the username and password are correct 2317, then thenew user is asked to choose a verification question 2340. A verificationquestion serves to identify a user who has forgotten either the usernameand/or password. A user may select from a number of predefinedverification questions or may provide their own verification questions2340. The system then requests the user enter an answer for theverification question 2342. When if the user has entered all thisinformation, the system may also give the new user the opportunity tosign up for a newsletter offer or some other offer 2344. The system thenverifies the information provided by the user 2246. The system may checkwhether it is connected to a central database or server 2345 in which itcan check the username and/or password provided. When the system is ableto connect to a central database or server, for instance, then it checkswhether the username is unique 2347. If the username is unique, then theuser is provided with confirmation of the registration 3348. If theusername is not unique, then the system informs the user that theusername is already taken 2350 and requests that the user provideanother username. If the system is unable to connect, then it informsthe user that it is having problems connecting to verify the information2352 and notifies the user that the registration information will besaved and verified later. The system then proceeds to permit the user toenter a project name 2356. From this point on, the system is then checkswhether it is connected and can save the project, and then proceeds tosave and/or print the project as previously described.

Referring again to FIG. 23A, if the user is not a new user 2305, thenthe system requests the user enter a username 2306. The system thenverifies whether the username is correct 2318. In one implementation,the system may check whether the username provided is in the format of avalid email address. In another implementation, the system may check alocal user registry first. If a username is incorrect or not found 2318,then the system may access a central database or server 2322 and requestuser information.

If the system is able to connect to the central database 2329, it thenverifies whether the username is correct 2332. If the username iscorrect, then the user is requested to enter a password 2320. If a userhas not forgotten his password, then the username and password arechecked. The system connects the database 2322, retrieves theinformation, and checks it 2329. If a username and password are correct2332, 2354, then the user is requested to enter the project name 2356,and may proceed to save the project as well as print the selected colorscheme 2363. If the user's name is incorrect 2332, the user is requestedto try to enter the correct name again 2326. In one implementation ofthe invention, the system may keep track of how many times the user hasentered an incorrect username 2333. If the maximum number of times hasbeen reached, then the system indicates to the user that login hasfailed 2336 and requests that the user register as a new user to savehis project.

If a user's password is incorrect 2354, then the system indicates to theuser that the password is incorrect 2324 and requests that anotherpassword be entered 2320. If the user indicates that he has forgottenhis password 2321, then the system may retrieve such information 2328.If the system is able to connect or retrieve such information 2331, thenthe system displays the verification question for the user 2338 andrequests that a user provide an answer 2354. If the answer is correct2355, then the user may proceed to enter a project name and save andprint the project. If a user's answer is incorrect, then systemindicates to the user that the answer is incorrect 2359, it requeststhat a new answer be entered 2354. If the system detects that the userhas entered more than the maximum number of incorrect answers 2357, thenthe system may request that the user register to save the project 2336.According to one implementation of the invention, the system may alsooperate over a private or public network and/or the Internet.

FIG. 24A-L are a block diagram illustrating a network-based colorcoordination and selection application according to one implementationof the invention.

FIG. 24A is an overview of the system indicating the starting point 2400from which the user can select several color coordination and selectionoptions. Along the color coordination options, the user may select towork in a Workbook 2401 which may include previously saved projects,explore new colors from a color palette 2402, browse inspirational ideas2403, seek expert advice 2404 on painting and painting tools, and/or mayrequest product information 2405. Additionally, a secondary set of menuoptions permits the user to log into the system 2406, find storelocations 2407, request safety information 2408, find out more about thepaint particular company 2409, or seek out careers within that paintcompany 2410.

FIG. 24B illustrates the options that are available to the user underthe Workbook 2401 category. The user may log into the system 2411 orregister as a new user 2412, 2413. The system then verifies the userregistration information 2414.

If the user has forgotten his or her password, the user may seek toretrieve said password 2415. The system asks the user to answer aparticular verification question 2416 which was selected by the user andfor which the user has provided an answer during registration. Thesystem verifies whether the answer provided by the user is correct 2417.If said answer is correct, then the user is allowed to proceed 2418.Otherwise, the user is requested to enter the answer again.

If the user is allowed to proceed through any of these login options,then an indication is given that he or she is logged in 2418. The useris permitted to edit a previously saved project 2419, create a newproject, and/or edit account information or profile information 2431.For the project summary 2419, the user may either enter a new projectname or edit an existing project name 2420. The user may then proceed toeither start a new project or edit an existing project. If the userelects to start a new project 2423, various options are available to theuser in starting said project. Through the Explorer color module 2402,the user is able to look up a color by name or number 2424, select astarting color from a color palette or table 2425, or browse aninspiration library 2426 for a desired color. Additionally, if the userwishes to edit an existing project 2427, the user is given the option tomodify a color palette, modify a color palette 2428, modify thepreviously selected color scheme 2429, or preview the desired colorscheme within a sample room or exterior of a house 2430. Additionallythe user is given the option to calculate the amount of paint that isnecessary 2431 and edit the paint color sheen of the selected paintcolors 2432. With any of the above mentioned color selection andmodification options, the system enables a user to save and/or print aselected color scheme. The user may print the selected color palette2433, print the preview showing the colors on an interior room and/orexterior of the house 2434, print out a summary of the amount of paintthat is necessary for a particular project 2435, or print out a summaryof the sheens that have been selected for the particular project 2436.Through any of these options, a printable pop-up window displays 2438that permits a user to either print and/or save said window 2437. Thesystem then proceeds to save the desired project 2439.

Referring to FIG. 24D, the system detects the origination point of theproject 2440. That is, the system determines whether the user has comethrough the Explorer Color option 2403 or My Workbook option 2401 and/orwhether the user is registered or logged in. If the system detects thatthe Workbook 2401 is authenticated or the user is logged in, the systemproceeds to save the project under a new name 2444 or without savingchanges 2445. The system then returns to the project summary window2419.

If a user is not authenticated or not logged in, the project name isrequested 2441, and then the user is requested to log in or register2442. If a user logs in, then the log-in information is verified 2443,and the project is saved 2444. Alternatively, if the user is a new user,the user is requested to register and the registration information isverified 2446. The project is then saved and the user returned to theproject summary window 2419.

Referring now to FIG. 24E, if the user elects to browse the inspirationlibrary 2403, various categories of inspirations may be available. Forinstance, in one implementation of the invention, a practical colorscheme category 2450 may include one or more articles 2451 which providepractical colors for different types of rooms or exteriors orlifestyles. Another category may provide artistic colors 2452 with oneor more articles showing or describing such color schemes 2453. Anemotional category 2454 may provide articles 2455 illustrating colorschemes that reflect various emotional states. A fashionable category2456 may include articles 2457 that are trendy or the current style.

Referring now to FIG. 24F, if a user selects the Expert Advice option2404, a search capability 2508 is available from which the user canprovide key words or terms, and results are displayed for the user 2510.Additionally, the user may be provided with a plurality of categoriesfrom which to browse or search. For instance, the project organizercategory 2512 may enable a user to organize interior 2630 or exterior2668 paint projects, a sheen chart category 2514 may enable a user tolearn about various different paint sheens, and a glossary 2516 enablesa user to quickly find information related to paint and paintingprojects. A paint calculator 2518 allows a user to calculate or estimatethe quantity of paint that may be necessary for a particular project. Acommon paint problems option 2520 provides the user information abouthow to solve interior and/or exterior paint problems 2522-2528 that mayexist prior to, during, or after painting.

If a user selects the paint organizer option 2512, then either theinterior or exterior category may be available 2630 and 2668. If a userselects the interior category 2630, then various options for paintinginteriors and house walls, for instance, may be available. For typicalpainting projects 2632, the system provides project organization tools2634 and details as well as the required tools, etc. 2636, may beavailable to the user. Additionally, if the user selects to stain wood2638, then the desired look may be selected 2640, and the projectorganizer 2642 may provide organization ideas 2642, details on how toperform the project 2644 and the required tool information. If the userwishes to paint or stain wood floors 2646, the desired look may bechosen 2648, and again, a project organizer 2650 may provide thedetails, tools and information on how to perform such tasks.Additionally, if concrete floors are to be painted 2654, again, the usermay select the look desired for the concrete floor 2656, and a projectorganizer 2658 may take the user through the necessary tools andinformation 2660 to perform the project. The user may also select fauxfinishes for interiors 2662, and again the system may provide thedesired looks 2664 from which to choose, and details on how to performsaid project 2666 to obtain such look.

Similarly, if a user selects to organize the lookup information onexterior paint projects 2668, the user is provided with a paintingcategory 2670, wood staining category 2676, waterproofing category forwood 2684, waterproofing category for masonry 2690, painting or stainingof wood floors 2698, and painting or staining of concrete floors 2706.For each category, the system may provide a project organizer 2672,2680, 2686, 2694, 2702, and 2710 and enables the user to select the look2678, 2692, 2700, and 2708 for the painting or staining project.Additionally, the system may also provide details 2674, 2682, 2688,2696, 2704, and 2720 on how to perform each one of these projects andthe necessary tools to do so 2678, 2689, 2697, 2705, and 2721.

Once the user has viewed the selected information for interior orexterior projects, the system may then take the user to product detailsinformation, FIG. 24J, under the products module 2410. This module isalso reached if the user has selected to find out product information2406. In either case, the products module 2405 provides the user withparticular products that are available to perform the selected paintproject. For example, if an interior project is desired, the differingstains, primers, finishes, waterproofers, etc. 2746, may be shown and/ordescribed. The system may also provide product overview 2748 and details2750 as well as allowing the user to select the look for said stain,finish, etc. 2752. Similarly, if the user selects to paint an exterior2754, then various products are shown 2756, and a product overview 2758and details 2760 may be available to the user. In another implementationof the invention, the categories may also include or be organized interms of particular projects 2762 such as woodworking, decks, etc., andsimilar project descriptions 2764 and product information 2766 may beavailable. When the user reaches to the products module 2405 from theexpert advice module 2404, the system may suggest products and/orintroduce new products 2768 to the user.

Referring now to 241, if, under the expert advice module 2404, the userhas selected the calculate paint option 2518, then an interior 2722 andexterior 2730 paint calculation modules would be available. If aninterior paint project 2722 is desired, then the user is given theoption of a custom calculation 2724 or an approximate calculation 2728.If a custom calculation 2724 is selected, a form is displayed in whichthe user can enter the dimensions of the room to be painted and a moreprecise result 2726 is provided. If the user doesn't have exactmeasurements but just wishes an approximate amount of paint 2728, thensuch option is also available to the user. Similarly, if the user isfurther taken an exterior paint project 2730, then the customcalculation 2732 and results 2734 are available if the dimensions areknown. Otherwise, an approximate result 2736 of the amount of paintnecessary may be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 24K, if the user selects the secondary navigationoptions from the main window 2400, then the user may log into the system2406 by providing a username and password or may select to search for anew store location. The system may also provide details on how to get astore 2407 and 2515. Safety information 2408 about paints and paintingis also available to the user. Additionally, a user may find out moreabout the particular company 2409, careers within that company 2410, andnews and/or events 2798 in that company. The user may also perform a jobsearch 2782, get details on available jobs 2784, and apply for a job2786 and 2788. Other special categories may also be available such asstudent opportunities 2790, benefits available 2792, culture of thecompany 2794, and testimonials about the company 2796.

Moreover, the system may also provide contact information 2900 in orderto contact the company. A contact forth may be provided 2902, and aconfirmation message 2904 is displayed when the form has been properlysubmitted 2910. Under contact information 2900, the system may alsoprovide a project assistant form 2906 to aid consumers in performingprojects. Once submitted, the system provides a confirmation 2908 thatthe project assistant form 2906 has been submitted.

FIGS. 25A-D are a block diagram illustrating the details of selectingand fine-tuning a paint color over a network-based coordinationapplication according to one implementation of the invention. A newproject may be started by selecting a color name 2802, choosing astarling color for a color pallet 2806 or browsing interior or exteriorinspiration options 2818 and 2826.

If a user wishes to select a starting color by name or number 2802, thesystem first requests the purpose or usage of the color 2810, such asbedrooms, bathrooms, and/or kitchen. With this information, the systemis then able to provide one or more color coordination schemes fromwhich the user may select one 2812. Each color coordination scheme mayinclude two or more colors that are complementary or somehowaesthetically pleasing when used together.

If the user selects the starting color from the color pallet 2806, thenthe starting color may be refined or fine-tuned to a desired startingcolor 2808. The system also requests usage for the color 2810, and thenprovides one or more color coordination schemes from which the userselects one 2812. The color coordination scheme information is thenstored or maintained under a session attributes module 2814. Theselected color scheme may then be viewed and then modified under thecolor palette home module 2834.

From this palette home module 2834, the user may choose to preview aroom which is painted a selected color scheme 2838. The system providesthe user with the option of selecting a type of room to be previewed2838 and then displays the room on a screen 2844. The user may thenselect the colors that are to be placed on one or more of the surfacesof the displayed room and is permitted to refine the colors that aredesired 2848. The system may also provide a similar utility for choosingthe type of exterior desired 2836, preview the exterior 2846, refine thecolors as shown on the surface of the selected exterior 2850. From thepreview modules 2844 and 2846, the system allows a user to print out theselected color scheme 2849 and 2853 as seen on the displayed roomsand/or exterior, or save said color scheme and room or exterior 2851.The information may be saved for the project under the session attributemodule 2842. From the color scheme home 2834, the user may also refinethe colors selected 2852, print the desired color scheme 2833 or savethe color scheme 2828.

Referring again to FIG. 25A, if the user elects to start by browsinginterior or exterior inspirational categories 2818 and 2826, the systemprovides various categories of inspiration from which the user mayselect. The system requests that the user to select an inspirationscheme 2820 and then provides details for such inspiration scheme 2822.The system then takes the user to the color scheme palette home 2834from where the color scheme may be previewed or edited or saved asdescribed previously. From the palette home 2834, the user may alsomodify the sheen of the paint 2830 and/or calculate the amount of paint2832 necessary for a project.

Referring to FIG. 24C, the user is provided a tool by which to calculatethe amount of paint 2832 that may be necessary for a room or exteriorpaint project. If the user is painting an exterior, then the systemrequests the size of the home 2856, calculates the exterior values 2858,and provides the amount of paint that should be necessary 2860. Wherethe selected color scheme includes multiple colors, the system maydetermine the quantities of each paint color that are necessary toperform the particular project. Similarly, if the entire room is beingpainted, the system may request the user to select the size of the room2862 and provide other information from which to calculate the amount ofpaint that is necessary to perform that project 2864 and 2866. A usermay save this information 2881 or print it as desired 2882.

From the color scheme palette home 2834, the user may also select theexterior or interior color sheens that may be desired 2830. For example,if an exterior project is being undertaken, the system may assign colorsheens 2870 to the different colors of the color scheme. The user may beable to select from these sheens 2872, and this information is thenprovided in the summary 2874 which can be printed or saved by a user.Similarly, if an interior project is being undertaken, the system mayprovide the recommended color sheens 2876 for the different paintcolors, depending on the purpose, etc. The user may then select or editthe recommended sheen colors 2878. This information is then provided ina summary 2880 which can be saved 2881 and printed 2882 by a user.

A help desk feature may also be available with customer support forcommon paint problems and fixes, FAQ's, a searchable knowledge base andpossibly real-time interactive support. As before, the user may berequired to enter a user name and password or register in order toaccess the system. From the login option the user may be led to the menushown in FIG. 9 and subsequent system components.

According to one embodiment of the invention, while the web site andkiosk applications may include many of the same features, they may havedifferent interfaces. For instance, because the in-store kiosk may betouch-screen driven, buttons are necessarily large and spread out. Thismay cause functionality to be spread across various screens in the storethat would more efficiently be handled on one screen through the web. Itis important however that the in-store kiosk and web site resemble eachother so that the customer definitely knows they are coming from thesame place. To minimize replicated effort, code for access to databases,coordination algorithms, etc., may be shared by the two separateplatforms wherever possible.

Though the distributed system illustrated in FIG. 19 has many functionaltools, the overall flavor of the system should be friendly andinspirational. Users should be guided through the system step by step,yet have the freedom to use it how they want as well.

A content management feature allows content to be managed with minimaltechnical skill by persons at various levels of the organization. Rightscan be assigned to various content providers and permissions grantedaccording to those rights. For instance, access to product informationand/or how-to information may be limited only to those users that havebeen given permission.

Another aspect of the invention provides tie-ins to promotions andclinics. The faces or entry graphical user interfaces of the kioskand/or web site can be adjusted to reflect promotions such as discountweekends and inform about various “how-to” clinics upcoming at the localstore.

Usage tracking may also be provided for the kiosk and/or web site. Thefrequency of use, color choices, program usage, walk-aways, etc., can betracked and analyzed according to region, market, store, feature, etc.This information may be downloaded or sent from a kiosk to a centralserver for analysis.

Another aspect of the color selection and coordination system provides adata-driven color model to implement the color coordination systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

A model encapsulates more than just data and functions that operate onit. A model is meant to serve as a computational approximation orabstraction of some real world process or system. It captures not onlythe state of a process or system, but how the system works.

In the context of the color coordination system, the color modelcaptures the processes associated with color (e.g., color palettecoordination, computing shades and tints, etc.), the state of a user'spalettes, and represents the set of colors that comprise the colorpalette.

In one implementation of the expert color coordinator a real-time colormodel may be used where coordination of colors, shades and tints arecomputed in real-time using the principles of color theory. The colorsmay also be constrained to the limited colors available in the colorpalette. However, a real-time approach is limited because it doesn'tallow for non-color-theory derived palettes and requires that the colorcoordination application incorporate and execute the color calculationsrequired to derive the appropriate palettes and corresponding colorsevery time. Such computationally intensive expert color coordinator maybe undesirable in certain situations, such as when implementing thesystem on a server for Internet users or when processing capabilitiesare limited.

In another embodiment of the color coordinator, a data-driven colormodel is implemented in which it isn't necessary to compute color valuesin real-time because the color palette is composed of a finite set ofcolors, which, in combination with color-coordinating palettes, shades,and tints, can be pre-calculated and stored in a database. A data-drivencolor model provides the greatest degree of flexibility and ease of usein implementing an automated color coordination coordinator. A colorcoordination application need not execute and compute color values inreal-time but instead simply query a database. Additionally, this allowsfor non-color-theory derived palettes to be incorporated into the colorcoordinator's color model with no change to the application programdesign. That is, since the color coordination relationships are definedas data, color coordination relationships from non-color-theory derivedpalettes may be entered into the database. As those skilled in the artappreciate, such a database comprises computer readable storageapparatus or media, which may include such computer readable storagemedia as, for example, memories or disks.

Tables 1-7 below illustrate how a data-driven color coordination systemmay be implemented using various data structures according to oneimplementation of the invention. Such data-driven color-coordinationsystem may be employed in implementing one embodiment of the expertcolor coordinator described above. In one implementation of the colorcoordinator, a color database is maintained which contains every coloravailable to the user.

For each color in the color database, a table or data element (e.g.,Table 1) containing the elements shown is generated. The color palettemay include both standard colors (e.g., those colors which are part of apaint product line) as well as user-defined colors (e.g., from usercolor samples, etc.). The fields Color_id and Name serve as coloridentifiers. The field Source_id is a reference to the source in whichthe color can be located, such as the inspiration library color palette,a user-defined color palette, etc. The field L_value describes theluminosity of the color. The fields A_value and B_value identify thecolor coordinates for particular color in a three-dimensional colormodel, C_value identifies the color's chroma, and H_value identifies thecolor's hue. The fields Next_lighter_id and Next_darker_id identify thecolor in the database which is lighter and darker, respectively, thanthe current color. Similarly, the fields Next_chroma_id andPrev_chroma_id identify the color in the database which is more mutedand less muted, respectively, than the current color. The fieldsNext_hue_id and Prev_hue_id identify the colors found in the databasewhich are, respectively, next in the color spectrum or preceding in thecolor spectrum from the current color. Additionally, one or more fieldsmay integrate human expertise into the color database. For example, thefield Is_wall_color_only indicates whether the current color and thefield Is_offensive may indicate whether the current color is not wellsuited as an interior or exterior wall color. Such fields may be basedon human experience and aesthetic tastes which may not be reflectedusing just a color theory.

TABLE 1 Field Name Description Type Color_id The primary key for a paintcolor. This may CHAR(6) correspond to a color code in a color sample orswatch (e.g. standard color codes for a paint product line, or auser-provided color sample) Name The display name for this colorVARCHAR(60) Source_id A reference to the source from which the color canCHAR(6) be located (e.g. Color Center, Interior Collection, user-definedcolor, etc.) L_value The decimal value for the luminosity of the color.DECIMAL(6, 3) A_value The decimal value for the ‘a’ coordinate of thecolor. DECIMAL(6, 3) B_value The decimal value for the ‘b’ coordinate ofthe color. DECIMAL(6, 3) C_value The decimal value for the chroma of thecolor DECIMAL(6 3) H_value The decimal value for the hue of the color.DECIMAL(6, 3) Next_lighter_id Foreign Key to a Paint Color that is theCHAR(6) corresponding next lighter version of this Paint Color. In mostcases this will be the Paint Color whose C_Value and H_Value are thesame but whose L_Value is greater. Next_darker_id Foreign Key to a PaintColor that is the CHAR(6) corresponding next darker version of thisPaint Color. In most cases this will be the Paint Color whose C_Valueand H_Value are the same but whose L_Value is less. Next_chroma_idForeign Key to a corresponding Paint Color that is CHAR(6) more muted.In most cases this will be the Paint Color whose L_Value and H_Value arethe same but whose C_Value is less. Prev_chroma_id Foreign Key to acorresponding Paint Color that is CHAR(6) less ‘muted’. In most casesthis will be the Paint Color whose L_Value and H_Value are the same butwhose C_Value is greater. Next_hue_id Foreign Key to a correspondingPaint Color that is CHAR(6) next in the color spectrum. In most casesthis will be the Paint Color whose L_Value and C_Value are the same butwhose H_Value is greater. Prev_hue id Foreign Key to a correspondingPaint Color that is CHAR(6) preceding in the color spectrum. In mostcases this will be the Paint Color whose L Value and C Value are thesame but whose H_Value is less. ls_wall_color_only Boolean value thatindicates that this color may only BOOL be used as a wall color and notas an accent or trim. ls_offensive Boolean value that indicates that thecolor is BOOL ‘offensive’ as an interior and/or exterior wall color.

In the color select and coordination system, color refinement is theprocess of navigating a color palette in a manner that is intuitive to auser. To that end, a fine-tune (refine or modify) color interface (e.g.,1006 or 1018 in FIG. 10) may provide such functionality in a series ofbuttons that allow the user to indicate what the next color to view.This may be accomplished by specifying relationships between the colorsin the color database. These relationships may be specified for eachcolor in the color database using the data structure or tableillustrated in Table I where the previous and next color for variousdifferent characteristics (e.g., L_value, A_value, B_value, C_valuechroma, H_value, Next lighter_id, Next_darker Next_chroma_id,Prev_chroma_id, Next_hue_id, and Prev_hue_id) are identified. Forexample, a fine-tuning interface may include a More Muted” button,which, when pressed, presents the user with a database color that ismore muted than the color currently being viewed. Similarly, otherbuttons, such as “less muted, lighter, darker, may be available torefine a color.

The colors in the color database are intended to be displayed on adisplay screen or printed for the user's convenience. Since many of thedisplay devices (e.g., monitors) and printers employ a combination of abasic colors (e.g., three colors—red, green, and blue) to generate allother colors, having a ready conversion between the colors in the colordatabase and said basic colors would be advantageous and expediteprocessing. For every paint color in the color database, the colorcoordinator system needs to be able to render a digital equivalent onscreen. Fore example, colors displayed on a display screen may beexpressed in terms of red, green, and blue (RGB) values. These RGBvalues may be stored in a database in a separate table (e.g., Table 3below) and identified by corresponding kiosk and paint color.

The reason RGB values are not stored directly in the paint color table(e.g., Table 1) is due to the fact that although RGB values can bederived from the values (e.g., L_value, A_value, B_value, C_value, andH_value) stored in the paint color table (e.g., Table 1), they often runthe risk of not being visually accurate for every monitor. Variousfactors impact the visual accuracy of a color expressed on a displaymonitor such as ambient lighting, temperature, etc. The adjustment ofthe RGB values to compensate for specific monitors is referred to ascalibration.

Calibration is the process of generating a color profile which is usedby an application (e.g., the color coordination system) to computeappropriate RGB values for a specific environment (e.g. display monitor,printer, etc.). Unless the color profile changes (as a result ofre-calibration), RGB values can be pre-computed and stored in thedatabase for each monitor/paint color combination to prevent the need toevaluate RGB values in real-time. According to one embodiment of theinvention, such conversion values (e.g., RGB values) are generated foreach color in the database and for each display and/or printing devicethat may be attached to a kiosk.

Table 2 illustrates how calibration or conversion data values may bearranged and stored in a conversion table for each color in the colordatabase. Such conversion or calibration tables represent a unique colorprofile for the devices in the kiosk (e.g., printer, display device,etc.). The field Color_id identifies the color in the database to whichthe conversion data applies. The field Kiosk_id identifies the kioskdevice (e.g., display device, printing device, etc.) to which theconversion data applies. According to one embodiment of the invention,three basic colors are used to generate all other colors in the colordatabase. For example, the colors red, green, and blue are used in thedata structure illustrated in Table 2. The fields R_value, G_value, andB_value provide the amount of red, green, and blue, respectively, thatshould be mixed to generate the corresponding color in the colordatabase. In other implementations of the invention, more or fewer basiccolors may be used without deviating from the invention.

TABLE 2 Field Name Description Type Color_id Foreign Key to acorresponding Paint CHAR(6) Color. Kiosk_id Foreign Key to acorresponding Kiosk CHAR(6) Element. R_value The decimal value for theRED component Decimal (6, 3) of the corresponding Paint Color. G_valueThe decimal value for the GREEN Decimal (6, 3) component of thecorresponding Paint Color. B_value The decimal value for the BLUEDecimal (6, 3) component of the corresponding Paint Color.

Another aspect of the data-driven color model provides a data structureor table (e.g., Table 3) for color palettes. A color palette may bedefined as a combination of grouped colors. Palettes may be generatedaccording to and grouped into schemes. For example, color palettes forMonochromatic, Complementary, Warm, and Cool color schemes may bestored. Additionally, custom schemes may be generated and stored byusers or others.

In one embodiment of the invention, a palette may be represented as adata structure in which each paint color in the palette is identifiedwith a corresponding surface/location to be painted.

For example, Table 3 illustrates a data structure of a paint colorpalette according to one embodiment of the data-drive color modelinvention. The field Palette_id provides a unique identifier for thepalette. The field Display_name identifies the palette by a name thatmay be displayed to the user of the color selection and coordinationsystem. The fields Wall_color_id, Accent_color_id, and Trim_color_id,identifies the colors that may be used along the walls, accent surfaces,and trims, respectively. The field White_color_id identifies the whitecolor that may be used along with the other colors in the palette.

TABLE 3 Field Name Description Type Palette_id The Primary Key for thePalette. CHAR(6) Display_name The display name for the paletteVARCHAR(60) Wall_color_id Foreign Key to a corresponding CHAR(6) PaintColor that will be the wall color. Accent_color_id Foreign Key to acorresponding CHAR(6) Paint Color that will be the accent color.Trim_color_id Foreign Key to a corresponding CHAR(6) Paint Color thatwill be the trim color. White_color_id Foreign Key to a correspondingCHAR(6) Paint Color that will be the white color.

According to one implementation of the color coordinator, once the userhas selected a starting or core color, the color coordinator accessesthe color database and provides a plurality of color combinations. Invarious embodiments of the invention, a color combination is acoordinating color combination that may be dynamically determined orpredetermined. For example, four color schemes may be provided to theuser. Each of the four color schemes or palettes may be related to aseparate color coordination algorithm. Tables 4-7 illustrate four colorpalettes that may be provided to the user.

Table 4 illustrates a monochromatic scheme in which colors selected forthe Trim and Alternate Trim colors are a tint or shade of the core orstarting color. The Accent and Alternate Accent colors are analogouscolors (slightly different hue angle but belonging to the same generalcolor area in color space) of equal value (chroma, depth). The Whitecolor is a white color of similar hue as the core color.

TABLE 4 Term Description Core Color The color the user has chosen tocoordinate around. Trim If core is dark, tint of core. If the core islight, then it's a shade of the core. Accent Analogous color of equalvalue (chroma, depth) White White of similar hue as core Alt Trim Shadeor tint of core Alt accent Analogous color of equal value on theopposite side of core than the accent

Table 5 illustrates a complementary color scheme in which complementarycolors are those colors approximately one hundred eighty (180) degreesfrom the core or starting color. The Trim color is a complementary colorof equal value to the core color and the Alternate Trim color is a colorwhich is a shade or tint of the complementary color of the core color.The Accent color is a color that is a tint or shade of the core colorand the Alternate Ascent color is a color that is a tint or shade of thecore color with more contrast. The White color is a white color ofsimilar hue as the core color.

TABLE 5 Term Description Core Color The color the user has chosen tocoordinate around. Trim Complement of equal value. Accent Tint or shadeof core color (If light, then dark, if dark, then light) White White ofsimilar hue as the core color Alt Trim Shade or tint of complement AltAccent Tint or shade of core color with more contrast

Table 6 illustrates a warm triad scheme in which the colors areapproximately 120 degree from the core color (on warm side of the hue).The Trim color is a Triad color (on warm side of hue) of equal value andthe Alternate Trim is a color which is a shade or tint of the triad {onwarm side of hue). The Accent color is a color a tint or shade of corecolor and the Alternate Ascent color is a tint or shade of the corecolor with more contrast. The White color is a white color of similarhue as the core color.

TABLE 6 Term Description Core Color The color the user has chosen tocoordinate around. Trim Triad (on warm side of hue) of equal valueAccent Tint or shade of core (If light, then dark, if dark, then light)White White of similar hue as core color Alt Trim Tint or shade of triad(on warm side of hue) Alt Accent Tint or shade of core with morecontrast

Table 7 illustrates a cool triad scheme in which the colors areapproximately one hundred twenty (120) degrees from the core color (oncool side of the hue). The Trim color is a Triad color (on cool side ofhue) of equal value and the Alternate Trim is a color which is a shadeor tint of the triad (on cool side of hue). The Accent color is a colorthat is a tint or shade of core color and the Alternate Ascent is acolor that is a tint or shade of the core color with more contrast. TheWhite color is a white color of similar hue as the core color.

TABLE 7 Term Description Core Color The color the user has chosen tocoordinate around. Trim Triad (on cool side of hue) of equal valueAccent Tint or shade of core color (If light, then dark, if dark, thenlight) White White of similar hue as core color Alt Trim Tint or shadeof triad (on cool side of hue) Alt accent Tint or shade of core withmore contrast

Another aspect of the invention provides for generating the necessarycolor metrics (e.g., in Table 1, L_value, A_value, B_value, C_valuechroma, H_value, Next lighter_id, Next_darker_id, Next_chroma_id,Prev_chroma_id, Next_hue_id, and Prev_hue_id) for a color provided bythe user, for instance, via a spectrophotometer. Thus, a user may addcolors to the color database and color palette.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications arepossible. Those skilled, in the art will appreciate that variousadaptations and modifications of the just described preferred embodimentcan be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope ofthe appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing color selectioncomprising: employing one or more computers to perform a plurality ofoperations in conjunction with a computer queryable database, theoperations comprising: retrieving a first color from said database;displaying said first color; and fine-tuning a characteristic of thefirst color by accessing a color data structure associated with thefirst color and retrieving a fine tuned color, said fine tuned colorbeing specified in the color data structure.
 2. The method of claim 1further including the step of retrieving one or more coordinatingcolors, the coordinating colors being predetermined based on the firstcolor and a color coordination algorithm.
 3. The method of claim 2wherein the coordinating colors include a trim color, a wall color, andan accent color.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the one or morecoordinating colors are displayed as one or more color palettes, andfurther comprising: accessing one or more calibration tables associatedwith the first color and the one or more color palettes, eachcalibration table being stored on a computer readable medium andcontaining calibration data for a display unit; and displaying theretrieved color palettes according to the specification of the one ormore calibration tables.
 5. The method of claim 2 wherein the one ormore coordinating colors include at least one of a complementary color,an analogous color, or a monochromatic color.
 6. The apparatus of claim2 wherein each coordinating color comprises a color which is selected tobe in harmony with, compliment, or be aesthetically pleasing when viewedwith, the first color.
 7. The method of claim 2 wherein the first colorand the fine tuned color are each a single visually perceived color andnot one or more ingredients, pigments, or other materials forformulating a single visually perceived color, wherein the first colorand the fine tuned color are respectively different colors, and whereineach coordinating color is a single visually perceived color and not oneor more ingredients, pigments, or other materials for formulating asingle visually perceived color.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein saidcolor data structure comprises one of a plurality of accessible colordata structures, each of said plurality of color data structures beingassociated with a unique color stored in said database, each datastructure further comprising the same pre-defined set of data elementsordered in the same way, one of said data elements of each color datastructure specifying a fine tuned color.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein the color data structure comprises: a unique identifier for thecolor data structure, a plurality of color metrics defining the firstcolor, and a plurality of references to other data structuresrepresenting neighboring colors in color space, each neighboring colorhaving at least one color characteristic which differs from those of thefirst color.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the color data structurefurther comprises: a source identifier indicating a source where thefirst color is located; and a usage identifier for indicating a type ofuse for which the first color is or is not appropriate.
 11. The methodof claim 9 wherein the color data structure is stored on a computerreadable storage medium.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the colordate structure is stored in a database.
 13. The method of claim 9wherein the first color and the fine tuned color are each a singlevisually perceived color and not one or more ingredients, pigments, orother materials for formulating a single visually perceived color, andwherein the first color and the fine tuned color are respectivelydifferent colors.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more colorpalettes are retrieved, each of which is associated with the fine-tunedcolor.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of fine tuningfurther comprises activating one or more of a plurality of selectionsymbols.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein activation of one of saidsymbols automatically adjusts one of the first color's characteristics.17. The method of claim 15 wherein said plurality of symbols enablesselection of a fine tuned color which is lighter or darker than thefirst color.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein said plurality ofsymbols enable selection of a fine tuned color which is more muted orless muted than the first color.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein thefirst color and the fine tuned color are each a single visuallyperceived color and not one or more ingredients, pigments, or othermaterials for formulating a single visually perceived color, and whereinthe first color and the fine tuned color are respectively differentcolors.
 20. A method for providing color coordination capability to auser comprising: receiving a starting color for which coordinatingcolors are sought; associating the starting color with a first color ina color database, the first color being the closest matching color inthe color database to the starting color; displaying said first color tothe user on a computer controlled display device; retrieving one or morecolor palettes, each palette including the first color and one or morecolors which coordinate with the first color; displaying the one or morecolor palettes to said user on the computer controlled display device;and fine-tuning a characteristic of the first color in response to useractivation of a fine tuning feature displayed on said display device byaccessing a color data structure associated with the first color andretrieving a fine tuned color, said fine tuned color being specified inthe color data structure.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the colordata structure is stored in a database and includes: a unique identifierfor the color data structure, a plurality of color metrics defining thefirst color, and a plurality of references to other data structuresrepresenting neighboring colors in color space, each neighboring colorhaving at least one color characteristic which differs from those of thefirst color.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the color data structurefurther comprises: a source identifier indicating a source where thefirst color is located; and a usage identifier for indicating a type ofuse for which the first color is or is not appropriate.
 23. The methodof claim 21 wherein the first color and the/fine tuned color are each asingle visually perceived color and not one or more ingredients,pigments, or other materials for formulating a single visually perceivedcolor, and wherein the first color and fine tuned color are respectivelydifferent colors, and wherein each coordinating color is a singlevisually perceived color and not one or more ingredients, pigments, orother materials for formulating a single visually perceived color. 24.The method of claim 20 wherein one of the displayable color palettesincludes a trim color, a wall color, and an accent color.
 25. The methodof claim 20 further comprising: accessing one or more calibration tablesassociated with the first color and the one or more color palettes, eachcalibration table containing calibration data for a display unit; anddisplaying the retrieved color palettes according to the specificationof the one or more calibration tables.
 26. The method of claim 20wherein the one or more coordinating colors include one or more of acomplementary color, an analogous color, or a monochromatic color. 27.The method of claim 20 wherein one or more additional color palettes areretrieved, each of which is associated with the fine-tuned color. 28.The apparatus of claim 20 wherein each coordinating color comprises acolor which is selected to be in harmony with, compliment, or beaesthetically pleasing when viewed with, the first color.
 29. The methodof claim 20 wherein the first color and the fine tuned color are each asingle visually perceived color and not one or more ingredients,pigments, or other materials for formulating a single visually perceivedcolor, wherein the first color and fine tuned color are respectivelydifferent colors, and wherein each coordinating color is a singlevisually perceived color and not one or more ingredients, pigments, orother materials for formulating a single visually perceived color.
 30. Amethod for providing color selection capability to a user comprising:retrieving a first color from a color database; displaying said firstcolor to the user on a computer controlled display device; andfine-tuning a characteristic of the first color in response to useractivation of an interactive fine-tuning feature displayed on saiddisplay device by accessing a color data structure associated with thefirst color and retrieving a fine tuned color, said fine tuned colorbeing specified in the color data structure.
 31. The method of claim 30further including the steps of retrieving one or more coordinatingcolors and displaying said one or more coordinating colors to the useron said display device, the coordinating colors being predeterminedbased on the first color and a color coordination algorithm.
 32. Themethod of claim 31 wherein the retrievable coordinating colors include:a trim color, a wall color, and an accent color.
 33. The method of claim31 wherein the one or more coordinating colors include at least one of acomplementary color, an analogous color, or a monochromatic color. 34.The method of claim 31 wherein one or more color palettes are retrieved,each of which is associated with the fine-tuned color.
 35. The method ofclaim 31 wherein said step of fine-tuning further comprises activatingone or more of a plurality of selection symbols.
 36. The method of claim35 wherein activation of one of said symbols automatically adjusts oneof the first color's characteristics.
 37. The method of claim 35 whereinsaid plurality of selection symbols enables selection of a fine-tunedcolor which is lighter or darker than the first color.
 38. The method ofclaim 35 wherein said plurality of selection symbols enable selection ofa fine-tuned color which is more muted or less muted than the firstcolor.
 39. The method of claim 30 wherein said first color is selectedto match a starting color.
 40. The method of claim 30 wherein the colordata structure is stored in a database and includes: a unique identifierfor the color data structure, a plurality of color metrics defining thefirst color, and a plurality of references to other data structuresrepresenting neighboring colors in color space, each neighboring colorhaving at least one color characteristic which differs from those of thefirst color.
 41. The method of claim 30 wherein the first color and thefine tuned color are each a single visually perceived color and not oneor more ingredients, pigments, or other materials for formulating asingle visually perceived color, and wherein the first color and finetuned color are respectively different colors.